The towns along the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain, in St. Tammany Parish, have been a getaway for residents of New Orleans since the 1800s.
During those days, they traveled by steamboats and stayed in large resorts or their “vacation homes,” enjoying the spring water to cure their ailments.
Today these communities are an easy day trip from New Orleans or a weekend getaway for those looking for the calm small-town atmosphere with all the history and flavor of the Big Easy. Slidell and Madisonville are in this region but are not included in this guide.
Abita Springs
The town of Abita Springs was once home to a Choctaw village, which settled around the namesake springs that were thought to have medicinal properties.
What to Do
Abita Mystery House– Also known as the UCM Museum, the former gas station is now a display of the quirky artwork of John Preble. This includes dioramas of Southern life and found objects. 22275 LA 36
Abita Springs Trailhead Museum– Set along the trailhead for the Tammany Trace, this community museum focuses on the town’s history as a resort, home to the Long Branch Hotel. 22044 Main Street
Where to Eat
Abita Brewpub– Established in 1994, this humble space is where Louisiana’s largest brewery got its start. Today its headquarters have moved, but this space exists as a restaurant with a menu centered around their beer. They also host live music. 72011 Holly Street, (985) 892-5837
Abita Springs Cafe– Built in 1881 as a local butcher shop, it’s operated as a cafe since 1979. Today it’s known for its breakfasts, served with coffee from Abita Roasting. 22132 Level Street (985) 400-5025
Maple Street Bakery– Start your day with a pastry or sandwich from this charming downtown bakery. They’re also known for their wedding cakes and the Mardi Gras tradition of king cakes. 72066 Maple Street, (985) 327-5554
Where to Stay
Abita Be and Be– This glamping-style resort is on over 100 acres and features quirky accommodations like a rustic log cabin. Disconnect by the pool or wander the grounds. 75317 Moonshadow Lane
Abita Springs Hotel– Set in a Victorian home, this five-room hotel has an onsite art gallery along with in-room Smart TVs and daily coffee and tea. 22088 Ann O’Brien Lane
Rentals- Enjoy small-town life at the Abita Springs rentals. Southern Oaks is an adorable home a few blocks away from downtown with porches, WiFi, and a fire pit.
Covington
Founded in 1813, the town of Covington retains its charm from the early days. It now operates as the seat of Tammany Parish, with a number of shops and restaurants amongst its streets.
What to Do
Abita Brewery– The small-town microbrewery is now the largest in the state and the 13th largest in the country. This tasting room offers tours of the facility and has beers you can’t try anywhere else. They also host events like trivia nights and crawfish boils. 166 Barbee Road
Bogue Falaya River- This 28-mile river that cuts straight through Covington is popular for kayaking and paddleboarding. Rent from one of the local outfitters.
HJ Smith & Sons General Store & Museum– This store has sold everything the community needs since 1876, from gifts to hardware and kitchen essentials. There’s also a free museum with items from its early days. 308 North Columbia Street
Hopewell Garden– The cozy garden across from the St. Joseph’s Benedictine Abbey has an impressive collection of native plants and offers tours. 75343 River Road
St. Tammany Art Association– Located next door is an art gallery with rotating exhibits and permanent collection from the region’s best artists. 320 North Columbia Street
Where to Eat
Abita Roasting Company– This coffee roaster is now the preferred roaster of the region, served in countless restaurants. There’s also a cafe in Covington serving sandwiches and pastries. 1011 Village Walk, (985) 246-3345
Del Porto Ristorante– This restaurant is run by three-time James Beard semifinalists, incorporating local ingredients into Italian dishes. Favorites include house-made pasta. 501 East Boston Street,(985) 875-1006
English Tea Room– Perfect for Anglophiles, this house-turned tea room serves over 250 teas and traditional dishes like bangers and mash. Each room is themed with a different aspect of British culture, including music, Downton Abbey, and the Queen. 734 E Rutland Street, (985) 898-3988
The Shack– Locals love the tropical-inspired menu at this eatery, including the Cuban sandwich and tacos. They also have daily specials like the popular crab cakes. 1204 West 21st Avenue, (985) 888-6288
Where to Stay
Blue Willow Bed & Breakfast– This cozy home has four king and queen suites with WiFi, breakfast, and easy walking distance to town. 505 East Rutland Street
Residence Inn by Marriott Covington Northshore– This chain hotel near the highway has all the amenities including free WiFi, a daily breakfast buffet, and full kitchens in the rooms. 101 Park Place Boulevard
The Southern Hotel– Built in 1907, this hotel was a favorite for generations of locals and visitors. It reopened in 2014 after a full renovation and now boasts a popular restaurant and bar. Read our review here. 428 East Boston Street
Rentals- Covington has some fantastic rentals including a real-life castle with three bedrooms and a pool.
Lacombe
Lacombe was established in the 1800s as a stagecoach stop but these days is the gateway to the swamps and outdoors. Here visitors can explore the waterways by boat or kayak, including the 15,000 acres of Big Branch National Wildlife Refuge.
What to Do
Bayou Adventure– This outpost offers a little bit of everything but mostly sells fishing equipment and rents kayaks and paddleboards to explore the Cane Bayou. 28178 Highway 190 *After the devastating flooding following a hurricane, the company is no longer offering tours.
Bayou Lacombe Museum– Set in a 1912 schoolhouse, this modest museum interprets the history of the original inhabitants of Lacombe, the Choctaw tribe. 61115 Saint Mary Street
Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel– This beautiful chapel was first built in 1923 to serve the rural towns of the Northshore, inspired by the pilgrimage site in France. It’s still an important part of the Creole community. 28088 Main Street
Where to Eat
Bayou Adventure– Yes, this all-in-one outfitter also serves food! Don’t miss Louisiana favorites like crawfish egg rolls from their shop as well as the food truck. 28178 Highway 190, (985) 882-9208
Sal & Judy’s– This restaurant is known for its Creole and Italian flavors. They also sell pasta sauces and other Italian ingredients to use at home. 27491 Highway 190, (985) 882-9443
White House Coffee and Creamery– This charming cafe has coffee, gelato, and bites that appeal to gluten-free, keto, and paleo diets. 61700 Highway 434, Suite A, (985) 218-9580
Where to Stay
Under the Oaks– Spend the night at this charming rental home, built in the Creole cottage style with three bedrooms. It’s easily accessible from I-12 and is pet friendly.
Mandeville
The town of Mandeville is named for Bernard de Marigny de Mandeville and is home to Lakeshore Drive, a stunning row of parks and majestic homes along Lake Pontchartrain.
What to Do
Chafunkta Brewing Company– This nanobrewery produces beers inspired by the Louisiana surroundings, including a coffee porter and a black IPA. 69123 Skybrook Road
Dew Drop Jazz Hall– Built in 1895, this jazz hall was the social center of the town for the African-American community. Today it’s been preserved and holds special events including live jazz music. 430 Lamarque Street
Jean Baptiste Lange Creole House Museum– This home is an example of the Creole cottages that wealthy New Orleanians retreated to on weekends. It’s been restored and turned into a museum. 605 Carroll Street
Tammany Trace– This rails-to-trails paved path runs between Covington and Slidell over 31 miles. Mandeville is home to one of the bike rental shops, so it’s a good place to start. 675 Lafitte Street
Where to Eat
Book and the Bean– Browse the aisles of this charming bookstore in a wooden former home. There’s also a coffee shop in the back with pastries and Flamjeaux Coffee. 235 Girod Street, (985) 237-3655
Hambone– Chef Luke Hidalgo is known for his Gulf Coast-inspired dishes, set in a former cottage. Favorites include the fried boudin and chicken biscuits. 544 Girod Street, (985) 778-0531
Lakehouse– Located in an 1830s house belonging to the founder of Mandeville, the restaurant has incredible views of Lake Pontchartrain. Try the fish tacos and barbecue shrimp. 2025 Lakehouse Drive, (985) 626-3006
Liz’s Where Y’at Diner– This colorful eatery is popular for breakfast, including eggs Benedict, pancakes, and biscuits. For lunch, they serve tacos and po boys. 2500 Florida Street, (985) 626-8477
Mandeville Seafood– During crawfish season, head to this roadside eatery and seafood market with heaping portions of local products. 2020 LA-59, (985) 624-8552
Where to Stay
Blue Heron B&B– This award-winning bed and breakfast in a 100-year-old home enjoy private balconies within their rooms and daily breakfast. 510 Girod Street
Comfort Suites Mandeville– The first hotel built in Mandeville is this comfortable chain outpost with free WiFi, breakfast, and an outdoor pool. 68073 Highway 59
Fontainebleau State Park– Sprawling over 2,800 acres, this state park is a popular spot for outdoor recreation, but also has campsites and above-water cottages for rent. 62883 LA-1089
Looking for a place to stay in Slidell and Madisonville? Check out this waterfront cabin with kayaks or this book-filled carriage house. Get $25 off your first Airbnb rental.
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